National Green Tribunal directs petitioner to approach DPCC for investigation into damaging mining practices affecting local infrastructure and environment.
Jotirmoy Roy, AB News, NEW DELHI: In a decisive move to confront the challenges posed by illegal sand mining, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed a petitioner to engage with the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) or the mining department regarding ongoing extraction activities in the Yamuna River, particularly in North Delhi. This directive comes in response to widespread allegations of illegal sand mining by organized groups, commonly referred to as the “sand mafia,” which have heightened concerns about ecological degradation in the region.
The tribunal’s intervention arose during the hearing of a petition filed by Sushil Chaudhary, the Pradhan of Jagatpur Village. Chaudhary highlighted the rampant illegal extraction of sand from both the riverbed and the river itself, claiming that these activities violate mining regulations and pose serious risks to the local environment and the livelihoods of residents who depend on the health of the ecosystem.
Chaudhary raised alarms regarding the integrity of a bund, or check dam, located near the villages of Jagatpur and Burari, reporting that it has developed significant cracks due to unauthorized mining. This structural damage raises concerns over local infrastructure safety and the potential disruption of water flow, leading to risks such as flooding and decreased water availability for agricultural and domestic use.
In its ruling issued on December 24, the NGT bench, which included Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A. Senthil Vel, stressed the necessity for a thorough preliminary examination by the DPCC or mining department to ascertain the “reality and extent” of the alleged illegal activities. The bench stated, “We dispose of the original application permitting the applicant to file a detailed comprehensive complaint along with the relevant material to the Member Secretary, DPCC/ Secretary, Mining Department, who, on receipt of the same, will get the spot inspection done and will take the due remedial and punitive action in accordance with law expeditiously.”
This case highlights the urgent need for strict enforcement of environmental laws in India, especially concerning the protection of rivers like the Yamuna, which face numerous environmental threats, including pollution and rampant illegal mining. Environmental activists and community leaders are optimistic that swift action by the DPCC and the mining department could serve as a deterrent to illegal activities, ultimately safeguarding the river and the means of livelihood for local residents.
As the repercussions of illegal sand mining unfold, the NGT’s directive is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring that environmental regulations are not just theoretical but actively upheld. The public and environmental advocates are closely monitoring the situation, hopeful for a resolution that emphasizes both ecological preservation and community welfare.
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